What Happened This Year 1716

People Who Died in 1716

William Wycherley

English playwright and poet
Born
1641 384 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1716 309 years ago — 75 years old

A prominent figure in Restoration comedy, this individual produced influential works that exemplified the genre's wit and social commentary. Active during the late 17th century, contributions include plays such as 'The Country Wife' and 'The Plain Dealer'. Through these works, exploration of themes like love, marriage, and societal norms emerged, making significant marks on English theatre. The style emphasized clever dialogue, intricate plots, and satirical depictions of contemporary society.

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Dorothe Engelbretsdatter

Norwegian author and poet of Baroque era
Born
January 16th, 1634 391 years ago
Died
February 19th, 1716 309 years ago — 82 years old

Contributed significantly to Baroque literature in Norway. Authored several poems and religious texts that reflected the themes of her time. Her works often emphasized faith, morality, and the struggles of life. Engelbretsdatter is credited with the first published book of poetry by a Norwegian woman, marking a significant moment in Norwegian literary history. She also worked as a translator, bringing various texts to the Norwegian audience. Engelbretsdatter lived during the 17th century in a time when women's literary contributions were often overlooked.

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Arthur Herbert

Admiral, 1st Earl of Torrington
Born
1648 377 years ago
Died
April 13th, 1716 308 years ago — 68 years old

An English admiral and politician held the title of 1st Earl of Torrington. Served in the Royal Navy and gained prominence during the late 17th century. Participated in the Battles of Barfleur and La Hogue in 1692, crucial naval engagements during the Nine Years' War. Instrumental in the naval strategies that secured England's dominance at sea. Actively engaged in political affairs and held a seat in the House of Lords.

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John Somers

Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain
Born
March 4th, 1651 374 years ago
Died
April 26th, 1716 308 years ago — 65 years old

A prominent lawyer and jurist, served as the Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain during a significant period in the late 17th century. Authored several legal reforms and played a key role in the establishment of constitutional law. Contributed to the passage of the Bill of Rights 1689, which solidified parliamentary sovereignty over the monarchy. Influenced legal practices and governance in Britain through his judicial opinions and writings.

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Louis de Montfort

French priest and saint
Born
January 31st, 1673 352 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1716 308 years ago — 43 years old

A priest in the Roman Catholic Church, engaged in missionary work and known for the establishment of the Company of Mary, also called the Montfort Fathers. Championed devotion to the Virgin Mary and was influential in the spread of Marian spirituality. Authored several spiritual texts, including 'True Devotion to Mary', which outlined the concept of total consecration to Jesus through Mary. Canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1947, recognized for contributions to the Church and the development of Marian devotion.

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Roger Cotes

Mathematician, co-editor of 'Principia'
Born
July 10th, 1682 342 years ago
Died
June 5th, 1716 308 years ago — 33 years old

An English mathematician and astronomer contributed significantly to the field of mathematics during the early 18th century. Cotes served as the Plumian Professor of Astronomy and Experimental Philosophy at the University of Cambridge. He worked closely with Isaac Newton, co-editing the second edition of 'Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica', a foundational text in physics and mathematics. Cotes is recognized for his advancements in calculus and his work on the nature of light. His life was cut short at the age of 39, but his contributions to mathematics and astronomy remained influential.

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Johann Wilhelm

Elector Palatine and regional ruler
Born
April 19th, 1658 366 years ago
Died
June 8th, 1716 308 years ago — 58 years old

Elector Palatine reigned from 1690 until death in 1716. Born to Landgravine Elisabeth Amalie of Hesse-Darmstadt, he played a significant role in the politics of the Palatinate region during a tumultuous period in German history. His leadership was characterized by efforts to strengthen his territory and manage the complexities of alliances within the Holy Roman Empire. His court became a cultural center, attracting artists and intellectuals of the time, which contributed to the development of the region. Known for a commitment to the arts and sciences, he fostered the growth of various cultural initiatives in his court.

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Banda Singh Bahadur

Indian military commander and martyr
Born
1670 355 years ago
Died
June 9th, 1716 308 years ago — 46 years old

Banda Singh Bahadur was a prominent military commander in the early 18th century, serving as a significant figure in the Sikh community. He led the Sikhs in their resistance against Mughal rule in India after the execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Banda Singh formed a dedicated army and captured several territories, establishing a short-lived Sikh state in the region. His leadership and military strategies contributed to the empowerment of Sikhs during a critical period. Ultimately captured by Mughal forces, he was executed in 1716, becoming a martyr in Sikh history.

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George FitzRoy

General and politician, 1st Duke of Northumberland
Born
December 28th, 1665 359 years ago
Died
June 28th, 1716 308 years ago — 50 years old

Born in 1665, this individual served as a general and politician in England. Elevated to the title of 1st Duke of Northumberland, the role included significant military and political responsibilities. Acted as Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, overseeing military matters and local governance. Engaged in various political affairs throughout his career, contributing to the administration of the region.

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